For improved safety, dependability, and fuel economy, here’s a list of car care items for you to check to make sure your vehicle is in good shape:

This is not a caution about fashion accessories, but a suggestion for preventive maintenance.

Almost one-third of all vehicular belts and hoses are changed only after they have failed. These failures are inconvenient at best, but they could pose potential durability and safety problems as well.

The belts under the hood drive components such as air conditioner compressors, alternators, fans, and pumps for engine coolant and power steering. These components won’t work if the belt or belts break. Belts should be inspected for cracks, which would indicate that replacement is necessary.

Cracks on hoses also indicate wear, as does bulging or ballooning. Cracks along a hose’s wall – especially at either end – indicate locations where liquid can seep through. This can result in pinhole leaks or a burst hose. Squeeze the hoses near their ends. A soft, mushy feeling indicates that replacement is necessary.

By registering your vehicle on My.Subaru.com, you can take advantage of a number of tools that enhance your ownership experience. Tools such as e-mail reminders help you keep up a proper maintenance schedule. Your service history can be made available, and service campaign information will reach you through the site.

By activating your personal My.Subaru.com site with your vehicle identification number, or VIN, you can initiate contact with your participating Subaru Care Retailer. That dealer will provide you with discount coupons for Service, Parts, and Accessories.

Check out all the benefits at My.Subaru.com. If you haven’t activated your account, there’s no better time than now.

As a reminder, CDs with peeling labels, burrs, and breaks will jam your CD player. So will multiple discs inserted in a single slot and the use of irregularly shaped discs.

For more information, go to www.drivesubaru.com and see the article “In-dash CD Changer/Player Disc ‘Dos and Don’ts.’ ”